Indian Muslim Student Nashra Naeem Makes History as Aligarh Muslim University Elects Its First-Ever Female Vice President in 105 Years
Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India | November 6, 2026 | The Global Journal
Nashra Naeem, a young Muslim woman, has made history by becoming the first female Vice President (VP) of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Students' Union in the institution's 105-year history. In the same election, female candidates secured victories in six of the 13 positions, marking a significant milestone for women's participation and representation in campus politics.
The final election results were officially announced on Friday. According to the results, Nashra Naeem won the Vice President's post with 7,091 votes, while her closest rival received 5,818 votes. Her decisive victory made her the first woman to hold the position in the university's long history.
In this year's election, female candidates also secured a record five of the 10 Executive Committee member positions. Along with Naeem's victory as Vice President, women's success in six of the 13 positions has opened new possibilities for female leadership and representation within the university's student union.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Noman Ashraf won the President's post, securing victory by a margin of more than 4,100 votes over his nearest rival. Mohammad Hamdan was elected General Secretary.
Professor Javed Talib, Chief Election Officer for the AMU Students' Union and University Court elections, and Professor Nazia Hasan, Chief Election Officer for the Women's College Students' Union election, formally announced the results.
The election was particularly significant as it took place after an eight-year hiatus, following three consecutive years of student protests demanding the restoration of student union elections.
According to a senior university professor, the ongoing Gen Z movement also influenced this year's election. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the professor said that, unlike previous years, the election campaign was not confined to campus-related demands. Broader issues concerning India's national political landscape and the Muslim community also featured prominently in students' discussions.
AMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Naima Khatoon expressed satisfaction over the peaceful and smooth conduct of the election. She described the outcome as a "victory for the institution's rich democratic tradition." She also welcomed women's active participation and growing representation, placing particular emphasis on women's empowerment.
University authorities confirmed that no incidents of violence were reported during the election campaign or voting process.
Nashra Naeem's victory is not merely a personal political achievement; it represents a historic milestone in the 105-year political history of Aligarh Muslim University, strengthening women's leadership and their participation in institutional decision-making.
